Quick answer. Sint Maarten's money is the Caribbean guilder (XCG), fixed at 1.79 to the US dollar, but the island runs on US dollars. The two Windward Islands Bank machines in the terminal are unusual: the one in arrivals gives US dollars and guilders, and the one in departures gives euros and dollars. Dutch-side taxis charge fixed fares, about $8 to Maho, $15 to Simpson Bay and $20 to Philipsburg for one or two people, plus 25 percent at night, mostly in cash. The French side, Saint-Martin, prices in euros. There is no Bank of America Global ATM Alliance partner on either side.
Where to get Caribbean guilders at SXM
At SXM a no-FX-fee card does most of the work. For cash, take US dollars from the arrivals machine. Figures assume $100 worth of spending.
| Option | Where | Markup | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paying by a no-FX-fee card, in the price's currency | Both sides of the island | Network rate | ~$100 |
| WIB machine in arrivals, in US dollars | Arrivals hall | Operator fee plus your bank's fee | ~$103-106 |
| Paying dollars on the French side, change in euros | Marigot, Grand Case | Often a one-to-one dollar-euro rate | ~$100-115 |
| Accepting 'charge in USD' on a euro terminal | French side | +3-7% conversion markup | ~$103-107 |
Bank machines at Sint Maarten (SXM), and the taxi stand
Princess Juliana is on the Dutch side of the island, at the end of the runway made famous by the planes passing low over Maho Beach. Windward Islands Bank runs two machines in the terminal, and between them they cover all three currencies you might meet: the arrivals hall machine dispenses US dollars and Caribbean guilders, and the departures hall machine dispenses euros and US dollars. For most visitors the dollar option is the one to choose, because Dutch-side hotels, restaurants, casinos and taxis all price in dollars. The Caribbean guilder replaced the Netherlands Antillean guilder in 2025; the old notes stopped being legal tender on 1 July 2025 and can now be changed only at the central bank. Across the open border in Saint-Martin, prices are in euros, though dollars are widely taken. The Sint Maarten money guide covers both sides of the island.
Arrivals hall
All international flights: American, JetBlue, Delta, United, Air France, KLM, WestJet, Winair and the regional carriers
The Windward Islands Bank machine here dispenses US dollars and Caribbean guilders. Choose dollars, take small amounts, and decline any offer to convert into your home currency. The taxi dispatcher and the car hire desks are outside.
Departures hall
All departing flights
The second Windward Islands Bank machine dispenses euros and US dollars, which is useful if you are heading to Saint-Martin or on to the French islands. Spend leftover guilder coins at the shops; they are hard to change elsewhere.
Taxi dispatcher
Licensed Dutch-side taxis and vans
Fares are fixed by destination for one or two passengers, with a per-person rate for larger groups, $5 per extra bag and 25 percent more from 10pm to 6am. Ask the dispatcher for the fare and whether the driver takes cards before you load the bags.
Do you actually need cash at Sint Maarten (SXM)?
For the taxi, usually yes, in US dollars. For the rest of the Dutch side, cards are fine:
Taxi to Maho (about $8 for one or two): A few minutes; per-person rates for three or more.
Taxi to Simpson Bay (about $15 for one or two): About 10 minutes; plus 25 percent at night.
Taxi to Philipsburg (about $20 for one or two): About 20-30 minutes, longer at rush hour.
Taxi to Marigot or Grand Case (French side) (roughly $20-45): Fares on the French side are set in euros; confirm the price first.
⚠ DCC trap. When the ATM or terminal asks if you want to be charged in your home currency instead of the local currency, always decline and choose the local currency. Accepting locks in a 3-13 percent markup that your no-FX-fee card cannot undo. Full DCC explainer →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cash to get from Sint Maarten (SXM) to Philipsburg?
For the taxi, mostly yes: Dutch-side drivers charge fixed fares in US dollars and many prefer cash. Hotels, restaurants, beach bars and car hire take cards. Keep small US notes for taxis, tips and the minibuses.
Can I order Caribbean guilders before flying?
No need for guilders: the Dutch side prices in US dollars. If you are spending time on the French side, a few euros help, but the departures machine at the airport dispenses them. CEI Currency Exchange ships US dollars or euros to a US address if you want them in hand.
Can I still use Netherlands Antillean guilders in Sint Maarten?
No. The Caribbean guilder replaced the Netherlands Antillean guilder on 31 March 2025, and the old notes and coins stopped being legal tender on 1 July 2025. Shops should no longer accept them. Commercial banks exchanged them until about March 2026; after that, only the Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten exchanges them.
Which currency should I use on the French side of St Martin?
Euros, or a card charged in euros. Many businesses in Marigot and Grand Case take US dollars, sometimes at one dollar to one euro, which costs you money when the dollar is worth less than the euro. A no-FX-fee card charged in euros is usually cheaper.
How much is a taxi from Princess Juliana Airport to Philipsburg?
About 20 dollars for one or two passengers on the fixed Dutch-side tariff, with a per-person rate for three or more, 5 dollars per extra bag and a 25 percent surcharge from 10pm to 6am and on holidays. Simpson Bay is about 15 dollars and Maho about 8.